Blackstone is reportedly seeking over $3 billion for the potential sale of SESAC, with Singapore's state-owned Temasek Holdings among the interested bidders. The sale would include SESAC's entire portfolio, including Audiam and the Harry Fox Agency.

Apollo Global Management and Warburg Pincus have also expressed interest in acquiring the performing rights organization (PRO). This development follows Blackstone's decision to entertain private equity offers after Hellman & Friedman acquired a majority stake in Global Music Rights (GMR) in late 2023.

The potential SESAC sale represents a continuing trend of private equity involvement in the performance rights space, following New Mountain Capital's recent acquisition of BMI. ASCAP remains the only non-profit PRO in the United States.

Notably, while these price discussions have emerged in Bloomberg and various Singaporean media outlets, neither Blackstone nor the potential buyers have officially commented on the reported $3 billion valuation.

This sale would mark another significant shift in the music rights landscape, as private equity firms continue to show strong interest in performance rights organizations. The high price tag and involvement of major investment firms underscore the growing value placed on music rights management in today's market.

ASCAP has meanwhile announced a $1 million distribution to support members affected by Los Angeles fires, reaffirming its unique non-profit status among U.S. performing rights organizations.

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